A Review of Research on the Effectiveness of Remedial Mathematics Programs in Two Year Colleges.

Ajose, Sunday A.

A review of the research literature on the effectiveness of remedial mathematics programs in two-year colleges is presented. Although remediation programs vary from one college to another, they share some common characteristics. Most programs include a placement component, two or three courses in arithmetic and algebra, and support services like tutoring, laboratory activities, and counseling. Objectives usually include helping the student to: (1) acquire basic arithmetic and algebra skills; (2) become mathematically literate; (3) gain confidence and self-respect in mathematics; (4) develop positive attitudes toward mathematics; and (5) prepare for further studies in mathematics or for entry into technical, vocational, or business programs. Attempts to evaluate these programs tend to either focus on specific objectives, like the extent to which remedial courses prepare students for further studies in mathematics, or on the evaluation of instructional strategies themselves. Although it is known that remedial programs provide students with essential skills in arithmetic and elementary algebra and that certain instructional methods promote positive attitudes, studies provide conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of the programs and the most appropriate of the 16 studied instructional strategies. (MB)